Strategies to help people get the care they need.

In many rural towns, a simple doctor’s visit can mean a long drive, limited options, and delayed care. The Rural Health Transformation Program is offering $50 billion over five years to help change that. States have until December 31, 2025, to submit their applications to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), creating a pathway to expand access and strengthen care where it is needed most. 

Based on our experience supporting rural communities, we have identified common mistakes and how to help you address them. 

Insufficient Early Planning 

Many states underestimate the time needed to develop a comprehensive transformation plan. Without early preparation, key activities like stakeholder engagement and detailed strategy development may be incomplete. Create a structured project timeline to address all essential elements efficiently, strengthen your application’s chance of approval, and maximize funding.

Lack of Stakeholder Alignment 

Rural health transformation requires input from hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and local leaders. Applications lacking broad engagement may appear incomplete or disconnected from local priorities. Structured engagement sessions build consensus and ensure the plan reflects the unique needs of the communities it serves. Beyond alignment, demonstrating measurable outcomes strengthens your submission. 

Weak Integration of Technology and Data 

CMS prioritizes innovative, technology-driven solutions that improve prevention, chronic disease management, and care delivery. Applications that mention technology without a clear implementation plan may not score well. Integrating actionable technology strategies with measurable outcomes ensures your application demonstrates readiness and effectiveness. 

Overlooking Financial Sustainability 

CMS evaluates the long-term viability of proposed initiatives. Applications focused only on short-term interventions may not show lasting impact. Including strategies for financial stability and sustainable operations shows that the plan is feasible and responsible. 

Misunderstanding Funding Rules 

Funds must be used for allowable activities and reported correctly. Misallocation or incomplete documentation can jeopardize approval or result in less than what your communities are eligible for. Mapping each activity to CMS criteria ensures compliance and reinforces the strength of your submission. 

Let Public Knowledge® Streamline the Application Process 

Explore how we can support your Rural Health Transformation application and help your state maximize this unprecedented funding opportunity.